Driving Review: Mazda3 2,0 Astina AT
The C-segment hatchback market is a tough one. It’s dominated by the likes of the Volkswagen Golf and, to a lesser degree, the Toyota Auris and the Ford Focus. So, when you’re playing in this segment, you need to make sure that what you offer is either a better package than the competitors or better value. So, where does this Mazda3 2.0 Astina AT fit in? Let’s see…
When it comes to looks, the Mazda3 does set itself apart from its peers with the Kodo Mazda styling. The edges are soft, but the style lines that scythe across the body and narrow headlamps give a bit of a windswept look. The large grille at the front give the car a smiley look that very much divided opinion. It grew on me over the days that I had it and I like that it’s very different to its competitors.
Admittedly, the interior doesn’t feel as upmarket as the Golf, but it’s not to say that this current cabin doesn’t represent a huge leap forward from the previous Mazda3. There are soft-touch areas on the facia and leather seats, handbrake and gear lever. Overall, it feels like the Mazda3 has grown up.
Standard equipment on this Individual model includes keyless entry, rain sensing front wipers, an impressive Bose sound system that’s hooked up to the radio/CD/MP3/USB/Bluetooth system that can be controlled via satellite controls on the steering wheel, parking sensors at the rear with a rear-view camera, blind spot monitoring system, hill launch assist and dynamic stability control. Other nice-to-haves and safety features include a 7-inch display screen for vehicle and radio information and integrated navigation, dual climate control, driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist.
This particular 3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 121 kW at 6 000 and 210 N.m at a rather high 4 000 r/min. Most of its competitors are turbocharged so torque would therefore peak at lower engine revs. The Mazda can sound and feel rather revvy and as though the engine and gearbox are working a bit too hard to get the car going. That’s only when you need the extra oomph though. I spent a lot of my time sitting in Cape Town-to-the-suburbs morning and afternoon traffic. In these instances, the Mazda3 worked out perfectly as there was very little hassle or fuss. The Mazda3 comes with SkyActive technology, so is therefore, supposed to be fuel efficient. Mazda claims a consumption of 5.9 litres/100 km.
At R326 300, the Mazda3 certainly makes a case for itself. You get a lot of car for your money. To put it into perspective, the Golf equivalent is R323 500, but it doesn’t come with as much standard specification as the Japanese car.
So, in the end, the Mazda is the choice you would make if you were looking for something that offers bang-for-buck. It’s not as refined as its competitors, but in this economic climate, most of us are simply looking for something that is good value for money. In its circle, the Mazda3 is certainly that.
Words: Kelly Lodewyks